TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
If I may bring the Tim said/Geoff said ( Tim Altom told
us <<... about Paladin Press being sued for ) back to a
TW perspective, how liable are we (writers) if a warning
(a caution even) is omitted from a manual and someone is
killed/injured or a major financial loss is incurred?
==
As a former newspaper editor, I know that LIBEL laws (at
least) vary by state. I also know the rule simply is:
don't even get THREATENED with a suit (unless you happen
to work for the LV Sun).
==
As a TW working with PEs*, I know a PE can lose a license
if a missing admonishment is blamed for an accident. I
SUSPECT this may vary by locale, but not certain.
==
** PE = Professional Engineer
==
As a CSR/TW/Training mgr. I was named in a suit because
I HELPED the person who sued me. (The suit was tossed out,
but it took our lawyer'$ involvement.)
==
So the question: aside from possible loss of job (boss has
no sense of humor cause we cost the firm $n,000s), what is
OUR (TW) liability in the Case of the Absent Admonishment ?
john glenn sfarmh1 -at- scfn -dot- thpl -dot- lib -dot- fl -dot- us